Japanese avant-garde artist Yayoi Kusama dies at 97

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Japanese contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama, internationally recognised for her distinctive polka-dot artworks and immersive installations, has died at the age of 97, her studio confirmed Thursday.

Kusama died on August 14 at a hospital in Tokyo. Her cause of death was not disclosed. According to her studio, she continued working on her art until the final days of her life.

One of Japan’s most celebrated artists, Kusama displayed her work at leading institutions including New York’s Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art and Germany’s Museum Ludwig.

Her use of repeating dots, nets and swirling patterns became her artistic signature. She had said that her fascination with dots was connected to hallucinations she had experienced since childhood.

Kusama moved to New York in 1957 to pursue her artistic career, initially facing financial hardship and limited recognition. Her distinctive work eventually gained worldwide popularity, including through collaborations with Louis Vuitton and other commercial projects.

Her works achieved significant value in the international art market, with one piece selling for $5.8 million at a Christie’s auction in 2008. Japan honoured her with the Order of Culture in 2016.

Throughout her career, Kusama worked across painting, sculpture, film and literature. She was also associated with prominent artists including Andy Warhol, Georgia O’Keeffe and Joseph Cornell.

Despite her international success, Kusama continued to describe herself as vulnerable and deeply committed to her artistic vision.